Kate's Birthday and Family Party

Kate had a really fun birthday.  She and I went to Sister's Tea House for a girly lunch. 

 It was our first time there and it's so cute.  Kate got pink lemonade in a teapot with a little teacup.  She kept lifting her pinkie as she took little sips.  So precious.  

After we ate, we went upstairs.  They have a room with lots of dress up clothes.  Hats, gloves, necklaces... so fun. 

We came home and just hung out for a little bit and then opened presents.  

She was SO hoping she would get this for her birthday and Mimi and Papa got it for her! 

Later that night, she chose Red Robin for her birthday dinner.  She loved being sung to and getting ice cream.  

We came home for cake and ended the night with a little dance party in the kitchen, which is pretty much her most favorite thing ever.  

Look at my sweet Jack.  He was such a good brother on her birthday.  He never once complained that he wasn't getting any presents.  He helped me wrap all of her presents earlier in the week and he kept saying, "I can't wait for Sissy's birthday."  When we started opening presents, he went and got a trash bag and threw all of her trash away as she opened.  Oh, it was so sweet. I think he loved her birthday as much as she did. 

The next day, we had some snow, so of course, the kids had to suit up to go play out in it for five minutes. ha!  

Kate had a birthday party to go to that afternoon.  After that, we had everyone over for a family party. 

Gran made her the coolest cake! 

We had a spaghetti dinner, opened presents, and ate cake.  

She was just a little excited about her American Girl doll from Gran, Nanny, Ken & Julie. :) 

She made this sign earlier in the day and tucked it behind the chair to show after opening presents. haha! 

Kate is one loved little lady!

Kate is SEVEN!

Can you believe it??  Our girl is seven today! SEVEN.  Seems so much older than six.  

She is pretty much amazing. Seriously, the amount of joy she has brought us since November 15, 2007 is immeasurable.   

She is FULL of life! She loves music, dancing, writing, drawing, and creating.

She's such a little mama.  She loves nothing more than holding her cousin, Maisy, on her hip.  She's bossy and drives her brother crazy when she tells him what to do.  Hmmm... NO idea where she got that trait from!

She is a wonderful big sister, though.  Jack adores her.  The two of them can fight like crazy, but there's really no one else they'd rather hang out with than each other.  I love that they are buddies.

  

She has a huge personality.  She is witty and funny.  She laughs with her whole body.  She loves to be LOUD! 

She is independent, stubborn, and strong willed.  Traits that will serve her well, but are also maddening at times. We have some tough moments here and there.  

She is beautiful inside and out. 

She has big dreams that include being a dance teacher, a teacher, and a veterinarian. Oh, and owning lots of dogs and cats. ha! 

She is so smart and is doing so well in school! She is such a good little reader and we are just so proud of her.  She is proud of herself!  She loves school (most days) and loves her teacher. She has a great group of friends at school. 

She's a great eater.  I never have to worry about her.  She'll try anything once.  She likes the healthy stuff, too (unlike her brother).  Don't get me wrong, though... the girl loves sweets!

She is such a helper.  She's dependable and loves to please.  She's my right hand man a lot of the time.  

She's a total daddy's girl.  She would choose spending time with him over me any day and I don't mind that a bit.  (Besides, Jack is a mama's boy.)  Daddy adores her just as much. 

               She is an all around happy girl.  I hope she always stays that way.  

I know she's not quite a little girl anymore and instead of being sad about that, I want to enjoy each new stage.  It's been so neat watching her grow and develop into her own little person. She is just so much fun at this age! We can laugh and joke around together, she can carry on a conversation like such a little lady, and she has A LOT to say!  

Kate, you make us laugh, you make us proud, you make us happy. Love you to the moon and back, our big SEVEN year old! 

(Stay tuned for a post on some pretty funny Kate-isms!) 

First Day of First Grade!

Kate started first grade on Tuesday.  We were bummed to see summer go, but she was also excited to get back to school and see her friends.  

We found out about a week before school started that she got the teacher she was hoping for.  She loves her!! 

Here are some pictures of her on the first day. 

Kate made her own Summer Bucket List, and making the "biggest pancake ever" was on it.  She requested that for her first day of school breakfast.  I think she probably ate three bites of it. 

Backpack, water bottle, first day sign for pictures, and teacher gift all ready to go. 

And this picture... oh, this picture.  This needs to be blackmail for the future. Crazy Jack! 

I got a text from a mom of Kate's friend saying they were going to the park after school, so we joined them for a little bit.  It was a fun way to celebrate the first day! 

 Mimi, Jack, and I made this pencil cake for her.  I'm sure you are all jealous of our awesome cake decorating skills. haha! Not quite. 

It's been a good week.  Kate loves school and Jack is enjoying the one on one time with me before he starts preschool 3 days a week.  And, Mommy and Daddy are loving the early bedtime for the kids!